Waterloo Region remembers the sacrifices of Canada's soldiers

Canadians paused to remember the men and women who served, and continue to serve our country on Sunday morning. Remembrance Day ceremonies were held at cenotaphs, memorials and legions across Canada, and here in Waterloo Region.

“We live such fortunate lives,” said Alexandra Vollarth, whose brother is in the military. “We can’t forget the reason that we live these lives is because of people who have fallen and fought for us.”

Thousands of people across the region stood in silence and showed their respect at parades, ceremonies and services. They expressed their gratitude and support for those who sacrificed their lives while serving our country.

This year the Kitchener cenotaph was rededicated to recognize those who fought in Afghanistan and were involved in U.N. peacekeeping missions.

Erma Reeve, a 93-year-old Kitchener resident, laid a wreath at the cenotaph to honour the memory of her brother. His plane was shot down over Germany during World War II, and his body was never found. “I still don’t know if he was captured by the Germans or whether his body was washed out to sea,” she said.

Many were affected by the gravity of the day.

“After hearing all the names of the veterans and then watching them march out… my heart stopped and my eyes welled up,” said Michelle Griffin in Waterloo.